Starting July 1, 2025, Colorado is tightening the rules around registered agents in an effort to curb fraudulent business filings. If you own or manage a business entity in Colorado—or act as a registered agent yourself—here’s what’s changing and what you’ll need to do to stay compliant.

What’s Changing?

The new law, House Bill 24-1137, was passed in 2024 as part of the state’s broader effort to prevent business fraud. It adds new requirements for both individuals and entities serving as registered agents.

Registered Agent Requirements for Individuals

If you’re designating an individual as your registered agent, that person must:

• Be 18 years or older
• Live in Colorado or have a usual place of business in the state
• Provide either:
  • A valid Colorado driver’s license or state ID, or
  • Use the alternative address verification process (which takes longer)

Important Note: When filing, you’ll need to enter the registered agent’s name and ID number exactly as shown on their license or ID card.

No Colorado ID? You’ll need to request a passcode, which will be mailed to the agent’s physical address. The filing can’t proceed until the passcode is entered—and it expires after 45 days.

Registered Agent Requirements for Entities

If your registered agent is an entity, it must:

• Be registered and in good standing with the Colorado Secretary of State
• Have a physical street address in Colorado (not a P.O. Box or virtual address)
• Maintain a usual place of business that is open during normal business hours

Other Rules That Still Apply

Whether you choose an individual or entity, your registered agent:

• Must consent to being listed
• Cannot be the Secretary of State

What’s Considered a “Usual Place of Business”?

This means a real, physical location in Colorado where the agent can personally accept service of process and other official documents during business hours. No virtual offices, mail forwarding services, or P.O. Boxes.

Why the Change?

The updated law follows recommendations from the Fraudulent Business Filings Working Group and is aimed at improving accountability and reducing misuse of the business registration system. One key goal is to ensure registered agents are truly located in Colorado, making them easier to locate if legal documents need to be served.